Cold Weather Concrete Restoration

Cold weather can bring a slew of problems to your commercial property, especially outside. A huge problem during the winter is cracking concrete. Cracked concrete looks bad and can be an extreme hazard to persons on your grounds. If your concrete is under attack from the cold weather, we have three tips that will help you prepare for a contractor to lay new concrete, hassle-free.

1. Temperature

Temperature is a huge factor when mixing and laying concrete. Ready to pour concrete is delivered at a temperature of about 50-60 degrees Fahrenheit during winter conditions. After it’s delivered, the contractor is responsible for keeping the concrete at a minimum of 50 degrees Fahrenheit. This is a crucial point in the curing process that will affect the outcome of your finished product.

2. Checking the Ground

Making sure the ground is above freezing is key in getting the proper results. One way to check the temperature of the ground is by using an infrared temperature gun. This will help you determine the exact temperature of the ground and if the conditions support re-pouring of concrete. If the ground isn’t the proper temperature, no worries, there are steps that can be taken to repair concrete even in the dead of winter.

3. Frozen Ground

Depending on how crucial repairing the concrete is, you may want to wait until spring. If you can’t wait, you must be sure that the ground is not frozen, or it will ruin the process all together. If you absolutely must lay the concrete down, your contractor will use ground heated blankets that can be placed on top to thaw the ground out. If it’s already poured, place insulated blankets for three to seven days. This will keep it at a temperature near or above 50 degrees and remember, the colder the ground, the longer the concrete gains strength.

When it’s too cold out or the job is too large for a DIY project, call TEAM CAM for all of your commercial concrete and restoration projects.